Former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad has been discharged from hospital today.

Mahathir was admitted to the National Heart Institute last Thursday after suffering a mild heart attack.

The 81-year-old ex-premier's heart attack was blamed on "excessive travelling" after his recent visits to Saudi Arabia and New Zealand.

Mahathir previously suffered a heart attack in 1989, when he underwent bypass surgery.

The former prime minister handed power to Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in October 2003 after leading the country for 22 years.

The two are embroiled in a bitter dispute, with Mahathir accusing Abdullah of economic mismanagement, corruption and nepotism - charges the incumbent leader has repeatedly denied.

Mahathir's family held a mass prayer session for Mahathir today at the hotel that is attended by delegates from the ruling Umno party, which is currently holding its annual week-long gathering.

However, it is not likely that Mahathir will be attending the party assembly which will end on Friday.